Page 22 of Lilly's Little Labor Day

She licked her lips but immediately realized it. She focused on Ms. Duckworth. She looked at the bed’s comforter. When that didn’t work, she fumbled with plugging her phone into the charger on the nightstand. Anything to keep her eyes and mind busy!

Yet resisting completely was a losing battle.

Her eyes darted to her stepbrother as he freed himself of the dress slacks he’d worn all day.

Oh. My. Freaking. Gosh.

The bulge in his gray boxer-briefs was massive! How big was he?

Wetness pooled between Lilly’s legs. She was gripped by a desire she’d never felt before.

That desire intensified when Edward slid into the bed beside her.

She hugged Ms. Duckworth even more tightly. Would she be able to resist the call to snuggle close to him?

“Goodnight,” she said.

“Goodnight. Sleep well, Lilly.”

Oh gosh. Why does his voice have to sound so rich and deep? And do I have to feel the warmth from his body. Soooo close.

Why do I mean why do I have to feel it? I’m lying inches away from him. What did I think was going to happen?

Unable to resist herself, she lunged toward him, draping an arm around his shoulders and placing her head on his bare chest.

For just a moment.

It’s only a goodnight hug. Nothing huge. No harm done.

“Goodnight, Edward. I love you. Thanks for staying with me.”

She feared how he would react. He was normally so guarded. Never had been the affectionate type.

But he put his arms around her, too.

It felt wonderful.

“Goodnight, sis. Sleep well.”

She rolled off, turned her back to him, and got situated.

That’s when he said it.

“I love you, too.”

She pinched her eyes tightly shut and prayed sleep came mercifully quick. If it took too long, she wouldn’t be able to resist herself.

She just knew it.

Chapter 12

Edward awoke at six that following morning.

He could have stayed in bed longer. Forever, it seemed. Because at some point in the night, Little cutie had rolled over onto him. He woke up to the sensation of her soft cheek pressed against his chest, her head cradled by his shoulder.

He didn’t want to wake her. He didn’t need to linger. Yet he couldn’t fully resist. Wanting more but knowing they’d already pushed the boundaries, he settled for lightly running his hand up her arm and shoulders. He lightly brushed his lips against the top of his head. Guilt stabbed at his insides. His heart thumped hard against his chest. He had to get out of there.

He slid from bed as delicately as possible. He took a moment to stand over Lilly, watching the angel sleep.

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